LilSugar

Celebaby Style: Thandie Newton and Her Fashionable Mini Mes

babysugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:30:03 -0700

I've had a mom crush on Thandie Newton for some time but it has since evolved into a family crush. The British beauty's petite features were passed down to her two darling daughters who also have a spunky sense of style and sass. The adorable girls, Ripley, 9, and Nico, 5, have their mother's delicious complexion and her sculpted cheeks. On top of those lovely characteristics, they also have fab hair that distinguishes the pair and gives them each something to strut about.

Aside from their inherent good looks, the young ladies appear to have quite a fabulous wardrobe. Lil Nico worked the red carpet of the Fantastic Mr. Fox London premiere in her sparkly leggings, velvet blazer and old school kicks. Big sister Ripley rocked her Juicy leopard hooded jacket, fruity Nikes and equine necklace. There's no doubt that the mini mes know how to dress themselves up for a flashy affair.

Hospital Stay: Did You Stay or Did You Go?

babysugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:29:53 -0700

Aside from the groans of labor and the sterile aroma, registering at the hospital to deliver a baby can feel a bit like checking into a hotel for a getaway, especially second time mothers. Moms-to-be who are bursting at the seams are typically beyond ready to welcome their wee one to the world and rest up after the tough task of pushing or surgery. From the second mama arrives, the nurses and doctors will be catering to her every need. Crushed ice, fresh bandages, new sheets, emptied garbage cans, and timely meals may be enough to make a mother never want to bid the maternity ward adieu. Add a nursery with a bevy of skilled caretakers to the mix and the place may look like baby utopia. Still, some mothers can't wait to zip up their bags and buckle the new family in for an early departure back to the comforts of their own home.

Were you begging to go home early or did you take advantage of every last minute of hospital hospitality?

Third Time's a Charm: No Ridiculous Pregnancy Comments

LilSugar — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 04:00:54 -0700

People say the most ridiculous things to pregnant women. While expecting my daughter and son, my jaw constantly dropped at the rude, crude and absent-minded things people said to me...with a straight face. BabySugar encountered the same nonsense while she was with child. But, it appears that the third time is the charm since I can really only recall two off comments people have made to me in the past 40 weeks. The first was about a month ago when I was shopping for a friend's wedding gift and the glass saleswoman told me to sit down before my water broke. She then told me to double check with my doctor because she was sure I was having twins. Thanks lady. The next was a few days later when I ran into an acquaintance who told me she was less than half my size when she had her daughter. "Good for you," was all I could muster as a response.

But those two doozies aside, this has been a low-key pregnancy with lots of perks - like complimentary beverages and servers at my favorite cafes betting on the sex of my baby. Who knew baristas were so into procreating? While stopping to pick up water spiked with a little green tea and a coffee for my husband, three different coffee clerks at separate Starbucks locations gave me free drinks! To hear other sweet gestures I've experienced this time around, read more.
Then, at the farmers market, when I purchased a baguette from a booth, the cashier told me she couldn't possibly charge a lady bringing a baby into the world for bread. In addition to the nice gestures, I haven't been the recipient of much unsolicited advice either. I attribute that to the fact that since I'm traveling with two other kiddos in tow, they either understand I don't have time to chat it up with strangers or they are writing me off as a woman who obviously didn't take the advice offered years ago. Either way, I'm good with it!

Did you experience this during subsequent pregnancies? Share your experiences here and join the LilSugar community!

Lil Links: 9 Smart Ways to Keep Your Marriage Healthy

babysugar — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:00:05 -0700

9 tips to a healthy marriage - Health
When should you tell your boss you're pregnant? - AlphaMom
What's behind SJP's twin girls' names? - Celebrity Baby Blog
How to manage a kid's video-game obsession - Cookie
Many mamas rethinking maternity leave - Fit Pregnancy
Potty training: wet works - CafeMom
Jennifer Meyer is slinging away - Celebrity Baby Scoop
Should California pay welfare parents to stay home? - ParentDish
Rainy-day vacation ideas - Boston Mamas
5 quick and easy family meals - Parenting

Getting to Know Your Body Post Pregnancy

babysugar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:18:26 -0700

"Oh, my uterus!" may sound like a laughable exclamation, but coming from someone who has uttered it, I can say I meant it. Before my first pregnancy, I was fairly clueless about my internal organs. I knew they were intact, but not quite sure what was where and what exact functions they served. Not since sixth grade health/sex ed had I paid much attention to anything aside from the obvious, but pregnancy shed new light on my own anatomy. To see what I know now, read more.

I know what it feels like to have a ligament pain in the pelvic area. I am also familiar with the shape and action of my uterus. A uterus, thankfully, shrinks back to pre-pregnancy size by contracting during breastfeeding, causing abdominal pain similar to contractions or cramps. I am more familiar with my breasts than I ever imagined I would be; they grow, nurse, heal, and shrink with every baby. I watched my linea negra form and then disappear while the stretch marks have stayed around for a long-term reminder of my bumpalicous belly days. Thankful for the babes that I've been blessed with, I will always worship my body I now know so well. Did you experience a similar learning curve?

Don't forget to join in on the mommy discussion at our fun community group - Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me!
Source: Flickr User Vikingo

Does More Alone Time With Tots Make For a Better Mother?

LilSugar — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 05:00:38 -0700

Work schedules and custody agreements aside, there are moms who cart their children everywhere, believing that time together is the best gift. And there are women who can't cope with their kiddos themselves, so they enlist the help of relatives or hire nannies to tend to their tots. The goal of most mothers is to raise happy, well-adjusted offspring. Does the amount of alone time a mother spends with her youngsters affect your opinion of her?

Flickr User davidterrazas

Some Moms Fudge the Truth At Baby Check-Ups

LilSugar — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:00:55 -0700

A baby's first year of life is full of milestones that often make their way into the baby book – from the first smile to the first steps. Along the journey, infants visit their doctors often for checkups. Aside from the vaccinations that occur, mamas usually look forward to finding out their children's height and weight and to discuss any concerns. Nurses tend to ask a series of questions about the kiddo's development - everything from, "Is he sitting up on his own?" to, "Is he following objects with his eyes?" A friend recently told me that sometimes she fibs her answers. If she's not sure, she says, "Yes," and then races home to see if he can do it. Do you tell the truth when asked about developmental milestones at your baby's checkups?
Source: Flickr User maessive

Did Both Parents Bid Child Goodbye on First Day of School?

LilSugar — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:00:26 -0700

Even couples that are at odds like Jon and Kate Gosselin come together to see their children off on the first day of school. In the midst of their divorce, the parents set their differences aside to bid their twin daughters, Cara and Mady, goodbye at the bus stop. When classes resumed at my child's school this week, I noticed that most of the pupils had both mom and pop present for the big day. Many siblings were also there to show their support. What does your family do?

Mommy Dearest: Working Mom Wants to Help at School

LilSugar — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 07:00:25 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

My son is entering a new school for kindergarten and we have received several notices about the school's parent teacher association. I would love to be one of those mothers who organizes the bake sales and volunteers in class, but I work full time. All of the PTA meetings are held during business hours (immediately after drop-off or before pick-up) and after speaking with the president of the organization, it sounds like that is when the committees meet as well.

I don't want the school or other parents to think that I don't care, but I just don't see how I can become involved. How do you ensure that your child isn't penalized by your lack of participation in school events?

– Non-PTA Mommy

To see the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Non-PTA Mommy,

There are a lot of moms in your situation. Perhaps you can speak with the president of the organization and ask about switching a few of the meetings to the evening or join a committee made up of fellow working moms who can get together after they leave the office. If none already exist, start one. Another option would be to set aside some vacation hours to volunteer in your son's classroom or be available to participate in activities that are important to him. Many schools also have weekend events that provide the perfect opportunity for career parents to get involved.

– Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on our new Community page.

Kelly Ripa Urges Candy Spelling to Reconcile With Tori

LilSugar — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:12:58 -0700

Can't families just get along? The cohosts of Live! With Regis and Kelly certainly think so. The duo seem to be playing matchmakers this week, or rather rematchmakers. Yesterday, Regis told Kate Gosselin he sees a Cinderella ending for her and Jon. Then this morning, Kelly urged Candy Spelling to reconnect with her daughter Tori, even offering to sit down and have dinner and a drink with them so they could let bygones be bygones. Guest host Anderson Cooper seems to be the only one who doesn't own a pair of rose-colored glasses. The newsman called Candy out on the letter she posted to Tori on TMZ, asking her why she thought that was the way to end an estranged relationship. Do you think Candy and Tori should put their differences aside?

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